Bangladesh sealed a dramatic one-run victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo in their final warm-up clash ahead of the Women’s World Cup, a result that will boost their confidence going into the tournament. The game had everything — partnerships, collapses, late drama, and a nerve-wracking final over — making it a perfect dress rehearsal for the high-stakes action that lies ahead.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted 242 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings began shakily as early wickets fell, but opener Sharmin Akhter steadied the ship with a composed 71. Her seven boundaries provided momentum, and she was well supported by Rubya Haider, who added 33 during a crucial 90-run partnership. Sumaiya Akter chipped in with a valuable 38 while Fahima Khatun’s unbeaten 26 at the death helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, and Kavisha Dilhari each taking two wickets to keep Bangladesh from running away with the game.
Chasing 243, Sri Lanka’s reply was a roller-coaster. They lost wickets at regular intervals to slip from 56 for one to 86 for four, seemingly handing Bangladesh the advantage. Kavisha Dilhari then played a spirited knock of 63, building a 100-plus stand with Nilakshika Silva, who top-scored with 75. Their partnership dragged Sri Lanka back into the contest and left them with a real chance heading into the final five overs.
Dilhari’s dismissal was one of the turning points — in a bizarre moment, her bat flew out of her hands after a big shot attempt and ricocheted off the stumps, ending her stay. Silva soldiered on but fell in the penultimate over as Bangladesh sensed an opening. Spinner Nahida Akter was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of three for 28 from her ten overs and applying the brakes whenever Sri Lanka seemed to gather momentum.
The match came down to the last over, with Sri Lanka needing nine runs with three wickets in hand. Marufa Akter was entrusted with the responsibility and delivered under pressure. A wicket off the second ball, a run-out off the fourth, and just six runs conceded in total sealed a famous one-run win for Bangladesh. The scenes of jubilation from the players and staff highlighted how much the result meant, even if it was only a warm-up fixture.
For Bangladesh, this performance was a timely boost, proving they can hold their nerve in crunch moments. Their bowling attack showed depth and discipline, and their batting lineup, though still searching for more consistency, managed to put up a defendable total. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will take heart from their middle-order fightback but will know they need to close games more clinically.
With the tournament proper set to begin on October 2, this thriller sets the stage perfectly. Bangladesh will face Pakistan in their opening match, while Sri Lanka will clash with India, both teams eager to carry forward the positives from this dramatic warm-up encounter.
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